Sources: Breslin on tap to be deputy leader

Two Senate sources told the Times Union that Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Bethlehem, is on tap to be named deputy minority leader. An announcement is expected later today or Tuesday.

The post was previously held by Sen. Jeff Klein, D-Bronx, but he resigned last year before leading a breakaway foursome to create an Independent Democratic Conference. Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan, had been in the mix for the post, many sources said, but apparently fell short. Elizabeth wrote last week that Sampson had “slim pickings” for the post.

“With Brooklyn, Queens, the Black and Latino caucuses, and now a strong upstate voice in Neil Breslin, behind him, Sampson has solidified a formidable coalition,” one source said. Sampson also elevated Sen. Martin Malave Dilan as assistant minority leader for policy and administration, among other appointments of Hispanics.

Breslin bid to lead the Democratic conference in 2006 when then-Minority Leader David Paterson stepped down to run as Eliot Spitzer’s lieutenant governor. He lost a three-way battle that also included Sen. Eric Schneiderman to Malcolm Smith. Smith served as leader until the June 2009 coup, when Sampson was installed.